Graduate Team: Marc and Idril
About the Team: Idril, a female Black & Tan German Shepherd; Marc’s 5th guide dog, 3rd Guiding Eyes
Hometown: Wells, Maine
Training: November 2025 Home Training
Marc is originally from Lowell, Massachusetts, but he and his wife of 55 years, Claire, snowbird between their hometown of Wells on the coast of Maine and southwest Florida. They have two adult daughters and two grandchildren. Marc lost his vision in December 1960. Beginning in seventh grade, he attended the Perkins School for the Blind and later earned an undergraduate degree in management from Boston College, graduating in 1971. Marc worked for Raytheon Technologies, a defense contractor, for 37 years, until 2009. His role involved acquiring semiconductor resources for their missile development programs. His retirement interests include listening to football and baseball broadcasts, reading, playing cards, and taking outdoor walks. Idril is Marc’s fifth German Shepherd guide dog and his third from Guiding Eyes, however she is his first female guide.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Idril is a real sweetheart. She is always even-tempered and a great match for me because she walks at a good pace.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “My first trainer, Del Rodman, was originally from a different guide dog school, but he ended up becoming a representative for Guiding Eyes. He encouraged me to explore options and give Guiding Eyes an opportunity. Needless to say, my last three guide dogs were from Guiding Eyes.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “After relying on a cane successfully for 31 years, I decided to apply for a guide dog. A guide dog would better fit my lifestyle. They have provided me with more independence, and in my younger days, enabled me to walk Maine’s local beaches early in the morning.”
Were there any training highlights? “Kathy Rooney, my trainer, was outstanding. The conditions in Maine during my home training included temperatures in the 20s and 30s, with significant wind gusts. It was frigid, but nevertheless, she did a stellar job.”
DOB: 5/18/2023
Litter ID: 5II23
Color/Breed: Black & Tan/German Shepherd
Gender: Female
Brood: Kindra
Stud: Flynn
Littermates: Indigo, Innoko, Indo, Ibiza
Region: Dutchess NY
Regional Puppy Instructor: Monika Conrad
Puppy Raiser: The Carey Family
Facebook: Dutchess Puppy Raisers
Idril is a beautiful soul inside and out. With her floppy ears and fuzzy coat, she was admired wherever we went. Idril is a perfect young lady in the house, and we always enjoyed how she would put herself to bed in her crate each night & wait to be “tucked in”. Dilly, as we frequently called her, loves to run & play ball, and adores a JollyBall. She is a great partner who can settle on quiet days, but go all day when needed. She helped us raise Heather and had many pup friends in the Dutchess Region. Happy Trails to You Dilly Bear. ~Kathy and Jeff Carey
